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SPFL clubs to discuss Rangers' call for investigation into season-ending vote

SPFL clubs to discuss Rangers' call for investigation into season-ending vote
© Reuters
Rangers on Sunday promised to divulge details of evidence they have referred to as "alarming", well in advance of a general meeting.

Rangers have been granted a general meeting for clubs to decide whether there should be an independent investigation around the vote on ending the Scottish season.

The Scottish Professional Football League board has set a May 12 date for a meeting after Rangers submitted a requisition backed by Hearts and Stranraer, two clubs who face the prospect of relegation as a result of the vote.

The general meeting was a formality once Rangers got the backing of two clubs but they now need 32 votes in their favour to force the probe.

Stewart Robertson sits on the Rangers and SPFL boards
Stewart Robertson sits on the Rangers and SPFL boards (PA)

A statement from the league read: "The SPFL board met this evening to consider requisitions by Heart of Midlothian FC, Rangers FC and Stranraer FC calling for an EGM to consider a resolution put forward by them.

"The board considered the request and has now called an EGM for 11am on Tuesday May 12."

Hearts owner Ann Budge admitted at the weekend it would be "tough" to get the number of votes needed to spark the investigation but Rangers now have two weeks to convince clubs. Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack had previously supported their calls.

Rangers on Sunday promised to divulge details of evidence they have referred to as "alarming", well in advance of a general meeting.

The Ibrox club previously alleged some clubs had been subjected to "bullying" ahead of the vote, which ended the season for the three lower divisions and handed the SPFL board the authority to do the same for the Premiership in consultation with clubs.

SPFL board member Les Gray branded those claims "absolute nonsense".

The Govan club, whose managing director Stewart Robertson sits on the SPFL board, called for league chief executive Neil Doncaster and legal adviser Rod McKenzie to be suspended while an independent investigation took place.

Neil Doncaster File Photo
Neil Doncaster faced suspension calls (PA)

The SPFL instead set up an internal review led by chairman Murdoch MacLennan and independent board member Karyn McCluskey and then brought in auditors Deloitte to look into the circumstances which led to Dundee's crucial vote going missing.

Deloitte's report found "no evidence of improper behaviour" and confirmed the SPFL's version of events – that Dundee's 'no' vote got lost in the league's email quarantine system and they had subsequently made it clear they wanted more time to consider after discovering they had the casting vote.

Rangers want a number of aspects investigated including the information given to clubs ahead of the vote; the decision to announce the result before all votes were cast; the decision to allow Dundee to withdraw their vote; and the interaction with SPFL executives and clubs during the process.

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Alfredo Morelos in action for Rangers on December 12, 2019
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic110082275581
2RangersRangers110074245078
3Hearts101046341263
4Kilmarnock10104334952
5St Mirren10013945-643
6Dundee10014556-1141
Relegation Group
1Hibernian11004752-542
2Aberdeen11003649-1338
3Motherwell10014652-637
4St Johnstone10012549-2431
5Ross County10013258-2630
6Livingston11002459-3521
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
12Livingston3339212259-3718


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